New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency on March 12 after the city reached 95 confirmed coronavirus cases. The city has since become the epicentre of the virus in North America, with more than 40,000 confirmed cases.

“Starting tonight through the COVID-19 battle, our signature white lights will be replaced by the heartbeat of America with a white and red siren in the mast for heroic emergency workers on the front line of the fight," the post reads.

The public response has been mixed, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts. For some, the light show is a beautiful gesture of thanks, but for others it stands as a bleak reminder of the current state of affairs.

On the right is the red siren in the fog that has become the top of Empire State Building to honor emergency workers. In the water on the left, the blue sirens from boats guarding the USNS Comfort. pic.twitter.com/FzFOiXQ2gU